Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto..trust me, you'd know if I did...

Chapter 5: Getting There

thoughts/ inner Sakura

Thanks for all the great reviews and alerts. I'll try not to disappoint you

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The next morning Sakura woke early. Try as she might she just couldn't sleep. She had tossed and turned in her bag all night resulting in a now very tired kinoichi. Quietly she slipped out of her bag, and began packing her thing. Looking over he shoulder, she expected to see a still sleeping Kakashi, but was surprised to see a bare spot on the ground and a neatly packed bag sitting in his place.

Hmmm, looks like he's up early again... But where did he go? Sakura scanned the area trying to locate her mission partner. Her eyes focused on an unknown figure, making his way from the direction of the stream. She was startled at first, but, as the man approached, Sakura began to laugh out load. The previously unknown person was actually Kakashi. He was still far away, but she could now identify his unmistakably silver locks. She was sitting on the ground clutching her aching side. He was no longer wearing his typical jounin outfit. Instead, he now donned a black, silk yukata, decorated with silver and blue swirls.

As he approached, Sakura's eyes widened and her laughter abruptly trailed off. Her mouth hung open in pure shock. Coming up beside her Kakashi gave his companion a disapproving frown.

He's frowning... and I can see it. His mask, it's gone! His face was masculine, and well chiseled. But his features were, soft and caring. His smooth skin was freshly shaved. The only blemish was a single scar running across his sharingan eye. But it wasn't really a blemish, more like a desirable, sexy, characteristic.

"Sakura, it's not polite to stare." Starring at her still gaping face, he found it hard not to laugh.

"But your...and you...I can... mask...and... face..." She rambled, her mouth still unable to form proper sentences.

Kakashi just cocked and eyebrow at the speech impaired girl. "I'm sorry, I didn't catch that. What were you saying?" Now he failed miserably at suppressing his laughter, and his entire exposed face lit with amusement.

Oh, my .

I'll say. Look at that face! Why would he ever wish to hide such perfection.

Uh huh

Gee, your not one for words today

'...'

Earth to me...HELLO!!

Sorry, but can you blame me. I've never seen him without his mask before. There's nothing deformed or grotesque. He's not even horrible scarred.

That's putting it mildly. He's gorgeous. And that scar on his eye. Only makes his that much more yummy...

Ok thats enough, I get it he's hot

"You sure space out a lot." Now he was standing directly in front of her.

"Sorry, I just got caught off guard, seeing you without your mask." She smiled shyly and blushed deep red, eyes now on the ground. "I'm good now." She starred for a moment then pointed at his new attire. "Why are you wearing that?"

"It's part of my roll. I couldn't go in there dressed in my ninja gear any more than you can." Sakura smacked her hand to he forehead. Now, she remembered, he was pretending to be a wealthy noble.

Duh! I should have known that. I borrowed cloths for just that reason.

As if he read her mind... "Speaking of that, you should change too. I'd like to leave soon." He nodded in the direction he just came from. Sakura picked up her bag and headed off towards the stream.

The area was quiet. The only noise was the sound of the gently flowing stream in front of her. Carefully, Sakura pulled out the items she had borrowed from Ino, and set them on the bank. Quickly she stripped down and plunged into the icy water. Her limbs shook with cold as she quickly lathered herself from head to toe, then submerged her head to rinse and remaining suds. Once she was sufficiently clean, she pulled herself out of the stream and dried of with her now discarded shirt.

Reluctantly Sakura dressed herself in her new 'mission' outfit. Sitting on the ground she pulled on the high boots, and sipped them to the top. Fumbling through her sack she produced a makeup bag, brush, and small mirror. Quickly, but preciously she applied black eyeliner and dark shadow to her eyes. Then a soft pink blush graced her high cheek bones. The final touch was a deep red lipstick and clear, shiny gloss. Looking at her reflection she had to admit, she looked hot. Even if it was more makeup than she would normally wear. She ran the brush through her still wet hair and replace her headband with a simple red ribbon. She repacked her belongings, and let out a deep sigh before returning to camp.

Kakashi was sitting on his pack, with his back to a tree. He wasn't used to wearing such garments, but he knew he couldn't sit on the ground without spoiling his outfit. He reached into his pocket and removed a black eye patch, grunting, he quickly used it to cover his sharingan. He heard Sakura's soft footsteps as she made her way up the trail. Turning his head, his eye immediately fixed on the kinoichi's cloths, or rather, lack there of. A tight black halter top, clung to her sides, and left her flat, stomach completely exposed. It was low cut, and he could see traces of a red lace bra. A short, red leather, mini shirt hugged her hips and high slits on either side revealed her well toned thighs. He could fell his breathing hitch, and his heart rate jump. Knee high stiletto boots completed the tempting display.

Who would of thought Sakura could look like that? This is going to be a very interesting mission.

Kakashi abruptly broke his gaze when he noticed Sakura had caught him staring. "Now who's not being polite." Her tone was playful, but her body was shaking.

"I just never would have thought, you would own something like that." He nodded indicating the skimpy outfit.

Sakura was quick to answer. "I don't. I borrowed it from Ino." Kakashi just shook his head, understanding. He had see some of the things Ino wore.

"We are only two hours away from the camp, so when we get back on the road, our mission begins. We must not break character. We may be watched at any time. But, before we go there is something we need to discuss." His voice was suddenly solemn and stern. "Look Sakura, when we are in the camp you will see a lot of things you are not accustomed to. Konoho, doesn't support slavery, but many nations do, and it is not illegal." He paused making sure she was following him. When she remained silent he continued. "Not all slave owners are kind, most are not. You will see many bad things, but we must not interfere. Our only objective is retrieving the Lords daughter. We can not blow our cover." He looked at her with genuine concern in his eyes.

"I understand, Kakashi. I' won't get involved." She looked him in the eyes, her voice was firm.

"You say that now, but once you are actually faced with those situations it will be different. I need you to swear to me. I can't be worried about you safety." He furrowed his brow in frustration. He knew Sakura, this mission was going to be very hard for her.

The air was silent for a moment, finally Sakura spoke. "I swear. I'll keep to the mission. Nothing more."

"Good. Since thats taken care of, I have something for you." He pulled a brown leather collar from his bag and handed it to Sakura. She took the collar and turned it over in her hands.

"What is it?" She looked puzzled

"It's a slave collar." He gave her a knowing glance. "Typically they have jutsu placed on them to control the wearer. It prevents slaves from running away, or disobeying their master."

"What! And you expect me to wear this thing." She tossed the collar back at him, horrified. "What does it do shock me like, like one of those dog collars?"

"Calm down. This one is just a strip of leather, made to look like the real thing. It doesn't do anything, except make you look like a real slave." He picked up the collar and carefully fastened it around her delicate neck, being sure to keep it from being too tight. "Is that ok."

"It's...fine..." Her body shivered slightly at the unexpected touch.

"Lets head out." They slung their packs over their shoulder and headed for the road. As they emerged from the clearing, Kakashi stepped onto the road first. Sakura came up second, keeping herself several steps behind him, her head bent down, eyes on the road. The mission had now officially begun.

They had been walking for roughly two hours when they were approached by a group of armed men.

"Halt. State your name and business."

Kakashi looked the men over, in his most commanding voice he said. " My name is Kakashi, I'm here to obtain certain, services." Even though slavery was fairly common, it felt wrong to say that he was here to buy someone.

The men in the group looked Sakura over with lust filled eyes. The same man spoke again. " And who is the girl." He licked his lips with the last word, and Sakura fought not to cringe.

"She is my slave. He name is of no importance. Now, let me pass." Kakashi's eyes narrowed, and Sakura inwardly sighed with relief.

The men nodded to each other and stepped away from a small path that led to a set of large wooden gates. The heavy barriers creaked as they slowly opened to reveal a busy marketplace. Kakashi walked through with Sakura following close behind him. The gate shut with a heavy thud. Mentally Kakashi and Sakura both thought, Well, there's no turning back now

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My Notes:

Ok so what did you think. Now the real fun begins. I'm pretty sure where I'm going with this, but you never know when a new idea strikes that might change things up. Hope you enjoyed it. Sorry if it seemed a little short. It was 5 pages on my word program.